SOAP BOX: Australia Day poll shocking

I DON'T think I'd be speaking for myself if I said finding out the majority of Australians don't know why Australia Day is held on January 26 was a shock.

I DON'T think I'd be speaking for myself if I said waking up this morning and finding out the majority of Australians don't know why Australia Day is held on January 26 was a shock.

With the absolute stubbornness I've seen rear its head time and time again whenever changing the date is mentioned, I figured it was out of some misplaced pride for that specific day.

For those of you who aren't aware (which, apparently is most of you) it marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson in 1788.

Admittedly, I had to look it up too.

Only 37 per cent know the meaning behind the controversial day, according to polling by Research Now.

A further 84 per cent think it's important that we should have a national day, but 56 per cent don't care what day it falls on.

So, seeing as most of us seem to believe any day is as good as ever to patriotically drape ourselves in flags, have a barbecue and drink too much booze (this sounds like most weekends), why can't we just change it?

Australia Day - frequently referred to as Invasion Day by indigenous groups - has been a point of contention of late with many believing the date should be changed as it serves as a reminder of suffering.

And while I'm not actually that big on Australia Day, as I'm usually at work, I believe the spirit of the day matters, not the date.

Triple J's Hottest 100 is arguably the best part of the day and if a date change is good enough for them, it's good enough for me.